Published 6:00 pm, Saturday, January 30, 2010

Fairview Cemetery will be recognized Tuesday for its recent designation as a Historic Texas Cemetery by the Texas Historical Commission.

The cemetery, which was established in Midland 125 years ago this year, was designated one of the state's historical sites in 1972 and now also will be included in the Texas Historical Commission's (THC) cemetery program.

"This designation is a tool that will increase public awareness of these important cultural resources," said Executive Director of the THC Mark Wolfe, in a statement. "Cemeteries hold valuable historic information and they are often the last reminders of early settlements' historical events, religious beliefs, lifestyles and genealogy."

Chair of the Midland County Historical Commission Pat McDaniel said they turned in information about Fairview Cemetery to the THC in the Spring of 2009 and were recently alerted the site had been accepted into the state program.

The new designation and the opening of the cemetery's entrance on "A" Street will be recognized in an 11:30 a.m. ceremony on Tuesday. Speakers at the event include McDaniel, Midland County Judge Mike Bradford, Mayor Wes Perry and Chairman of The Friends of Fairview Margaret Cowden.

Cemeteries included in the Texas Cemetery program must be at least 50 years old and have documentation describing its history.

Fairview Cemetery's history already had been documented by Nancy R. McKinley and McDaniel said her previously completed synopsis was used as part of the application, which also required a site map and photographs.

McKinley writes that the cemetery was established in 1885 when the Midland County Commissioners' Court approved donating 10 acres of land for the purpose of burials.

A Ladies Cemetery Association was later established, in what McKinley estimates was sometime prior to Jan. 31, 1904. The Ladies Association helped oversee upkeep of the grounds with proceeds from the purchase of burial plots and she writes Midland's men also helped with watching over the cemetery.

A caretaker was hired by the association, she writes, and, though not verifiable, legend has it bank robbers buried their loot under the caretaker's house on the cemetery's grounds back in the early 1900s.

The historical designations, however, are given for other reasons, including the several Mexican Civil War and Civil War veterans buried on the grounds.

The oldest grave marker on the grounds just off "A" Street is for a Sumner Lawrence, who was born May 12, 1858 and died May 31, 1885, according to McKinley's report.

Midland County, which still oversees Fairview Cemetery, no longer sells burial plots. McDaniel said private sales sometimes still take place between individuals.

According to the Texas Historical Commission, the cemetery program was started to prevent destruction of cemeteries that are becoming increasingly threatened with the expansion of urban areas.

In rural areas, according to the commission, such cemeteries also are at risk of being lost because of residential developments that move in or because the absence of fencing allows livestock to topple and breakup gravestones.

While the designation doesn't technically prevent any destructive activities, the THC says it hopes the official recognition will make people aware of the importance of each of these cemeteries and in turn create respect and reverence among the community for preserving the landmarks.

In Midland, McDaniel said, Fairview Cemetery is at little risk of damage as Midland County does a great job in taking care of and protecting the grounds.